Fatigue following DCIS Mastectomy

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hangingon2016
hangingon2016 Member Posts: 3
edited October 2018 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi had total mastectomy in September, widespread DCIS, but lymph nodes came back clear. I have been very tired ever since, so going on 4 months soon. Is it all related, or just stress? I am going thru reconstruction on that side, and will be looking at completing that in another month or so. Not looking forward to more surgery, but I started it now, and need to finish.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2016

    Hi haningon2016, and welcome to our community. Fatigue is a very common side effect of any treatment. And you mention that you are also going through reconstruction, so very likely all related. There are naturally other reasons to feel fatigued like poor sleep, pain, reduced physical activity, etc. You may find this page helpful to you with some tips. Fatigue following diagnosis. Also, always wise to discuss with your treatment team. We're all here for you!

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited December 2016

    Yes, this is normal! I pooped out very quickly for many months afterward, and intermittent reconstruction surgeries only added to it. I also had severe mood swings for about 8 months after my MX while my body adjusted to the absence of that hormone-soaked tissue. I'm not really sure of all the biological processes at work there, but it was challenging for me and my family. Getting good sweaty exercise really helped both the fatigue and the mood swings. Best wishes on your next procedure.

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  • Notmyself
    Notmyself Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2016

    Hangingon2016,

    I can relate! I think that extreme tiredness is "normal". I had a mastectomy at the end of August of this year and I am still exhausted. I was told to expect it to take 6 months from surgery to "feel" better...particularly energy wise. I go to bed almost every night at 9 afterI put my kids to bed because I am so spent. Going to bed early early helps me get through the next day of work though.

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited December 2016

    Did you have any rads? I doubt that you did since you had MX, but since you said it was widespread, I thought perhaps they did prescribe rads and if so, fatigue is one of the most common side effects. If not, then most likely the theories above fit. Hugs and hoping you begin to gain back your energy soon enough!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    HangingOn - I had continuing fatigue for a year. Some of the rapid recovery depends on your age, your general health when diagnosed and your exercise & eating patterns. I understand that getting some exercise - at least walking - every day makes things much easier. I didn't do it, but just sayin...

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  • hangingon2016
    hangingon2016 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2016

    Thanks to everyone for their support and input. I am reasonable young. 56yrs, and generally healthy. We have had alot of stress in the family, on top of my diagnosis and surgery. Older parents, one with sever dementia and the other who thinks he's a teenager.... No Rads or chemo, just surgeries. Thanks, I'll hang in and try to be more active. I may have started back to normal activities too soon, and I'm still paying the price.


    Happy and Healthy New Year wishes to all.


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  • GinaLou
    GinaLou Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2017

    Hi, Im new to this community. I know what you mean. I just had my Mastectomy in Early December for DCIS. I have fatigue too sometimes I feel really tired and draggy. I also got sick three weeks after mastectomy and ended up in the hospital for a week which was week before last. Knowing I still have reconstruction surgery coming up in near future makes me feel like my body is gonna feel wiped out. Hope you gain strength soon

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2017

    Dear GinaLou,

    We are sorry about your breast cancer and your hospitalization and we are glad that you reached out to out community. Please stay connected here and keep us posted on your recovery and your reconstruction. The Mods

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  • Kassies1
    Kassies1 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2018

    Hello everyone,

    I too have horrible fatigue. I am four months post bilateral mastectomy and even though I exercise regularly still drag throughout the day. I went on this forum to see if I was the only one suffering with this symptom, but found I am not. Can anyone tell me how long it took for you to feel “normal” again?




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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2018

    Hello Kassies1, We welcome you warmly to our community. It does take a long while to get back one's full energy. Here is an article from our site on Fatigue that you may find helpful. Are you on other medications?

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  • Kassies1
    Kassies1 Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2018

    Hello,

    No, I am not on any medications. I take vitamin supplements to try and combat the fatigue. Some days I am ok, others not. Now I am having body pain, tinnitus and tightness in my forehead. I wonder if I am having a version of PTSD.

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